Ladder having sensor and computing device for same

ABSTRACT

A ladder including sensors is provided. A remote computing device is also provided that communicates with the sensors to facilitate detection of various operating conditions. Methods for detection are also provided.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. provisional patent applicationSer. No. 62/586,278, entitled Ladder Having Sensor and Computing Devicefor Same, filed Nov. 15, 2017, and U.S. provisional patent applicationSer. No. 62/665,008, entitled Ladder Having Sensor and Computing Devicefor Same, filed May 1, 2018, and hereby incorporates these provisionalpatent applications by reference herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The apparatus and methods described below generally relate to a ladderhaving at least one sensor for detecting operating conditions of theladder. Sensor data from the sensor(s) is transmitted to a computingdevice for processing.

BACKGROUND

When a user climbs a ladder, there are many different operatingconditions that can affect the ability of the user to properly use oroperate the ladder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments will become better understood with regard to thefollowing description, appended claims and accompanying drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view depicting a ladder comprising a plurality ofsensors, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view depicting at least one of the sensors of theladder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded enlarged isometric view depicting a base sensor ofthe ladder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an assembled enlarged isometric view depicting the base sensorof the ladder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view depicting a ladder in association with asmartphone, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view depicting a ladder in association with asmartphone, in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view depicting a ladder in association with asmartphone, in accordance with yet another embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view depicting a ladder in association with asmartphone, in accordance with still yet another embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view depicting a ladder in association with asmartphone, in accordance with still yet another embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view depicting a ladder, in accordance withanother embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is an isometric view depicting a ladder, in accordance with yetanother embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments are hereinafter described in detail in connection with theviews and examples of FIGS. 1-11, wherein like numbers indicate the sameor corresponding elements throughout the views. A ladder 10 inaccordance with one embodiment is generally depicted in FIG. 1 and, aswill be described in further detail below, can include a plurality ofsensors (e.g., 30, 32, 34, 35, 36, 38) such that the ladder 10 can beconsidered to be a “smart ladder” or an “intelligent ladder.” The ladder10 can include a climbing section 12 and a brace section 14 that arepivotally coupled together by a top cap 15. The climbing section 12 caninclude a pair of front side rails 16 and a plurality of steps 18 thatextend between the front side rails 16. The steps 18 can be configuredto facilitate support of a user climbing the ladder 10. The bracesection 14 can include a pair of rear side rails 20 and a plurality ofbraces 22 that extend between the rear side rails 20. The braces 22 canprovide structural support to the ladder 10 but are not structurallyrigid enough to support a user climbing the ladder 10 (e.g., verticalloading on the braces 22). It is to be appreciated that the bracesection 14 can alternatively be replaced with a climbing section (e.g.,12) such that the ladder 10 is climbable on both sides. It is also to beappreciated that although the ladder 10 is illustrated as a foldingladder, other types of ladders are contemplated for the principlesdescribed below, such as extension ladders and multi-position ladders.

The ladder 10 can include a pair of spreader bars 24 that each extendbetween respective ones of the front and rear side rails 16, 20. Eachspreader bar 24 can include a hinge member 26 that facilitates selectivefolding of the spreader bars 24 between a locked position (asillustrated in FIG. 1) and an unlocked position (not shown). Each of thefront and rear side rails 16, 20 can include a foot portion 28 that isconfigured to contact a ground surface. In one embodiment, the footportions 28 can each comprise a footpad.

The ladder 10 can include a plurality of spreader bar sensors 30 thatare configured to facilitate detection of the locked position of thespreader bars 24 (i.e., whether the spreader bars 24 are in theirrespective locked positions). Each of the spreader bar sensors 30 can bemounted on one of the hinge members 26. It is to be appreciated,however, that the spreader bar sensors 30 can be provided at anysuitable location on the ladder 10 to facilitate detection of theposition of the spreader bars 24.

In one embodiment, the spreader bar sensors 30 can comprise a strainsensor (e.g., strain gage or a plastic strain sensor). In such anembodiment, the spreader bar sensors 30 can facilitate detection of theposition of the spreader bars 24 as a function of the load on thespreader bars 24. In another embodiment, the spreader bar sensors 30 cancomprise a hall effect sensor. In such an embodiment, the hall effectsensors can be proximity based sensors that cooperate with a magnet tofacilitate detection of the spreader bars 24 being locked at the hingemembers 26. In yet another embodiment, the spreader bar sensors 30 cancomprise an angular position sensor (e.g., an inertial measurement unit(IMU) (e.g., an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and/or a magnetometer) or aninclinometer). In such an embodiment, respective ones of the angularposition sensors can be provided on one of the spreader bars 24 suchthat the position of the spreader bars 24 can be detected as a functionof the angle of the spreader bars 24. An IMU can additionally beprovided on one of the steps 18 to serve as a reference for the otherangle position sensors provided on the spreader bars 24. In still yetanother embodiment, the spreader bar sensors 30 can comprise animpedance type sensor (e.g., a resistive or capacitive sensor) such thatthe position of the spreader bars 24 can be detected as a function ofthe compressive force of the hinge members 26. In still yet anotherembodiment, each of the spreader bar sensors 30 can comprise a contactswitch associated with the hinge members 26 that is configured toselectively change state (i.e., close) when the spreader bars 24 aremoved between their unlocked and locked positions. It is to beappreciated that the spreader bar sensors 30 can comprise any of avariety of other suitable sensors located at any of a variety of othersuitable locations on the spreader bars 24 for facilitating detection ofthe position of the spreader bars 24. It is also to be appreciated thatthe spreader bar sensors 30 can be utilized to detect any of a varietyof other conditions on the ladder 10 that might be detectable at thespreader bars 24, such as a hazardous condition, an instabilitycondition, a presence of a user on the ladder or whether the ladder 10has been deployed or is still folded.

The ladder 10 can also include a plurality of base sensors 32. Each ofthe base sensors 32 can be disposed on one of the foot portions 28 andconfigured to detect the degree to which the foot portions 28 are makingcontact with a ground surface when load is applied to the ladder 10(e.g., when the user begins ascending the ladder 10). In one embodiment,each of the base sensors 32 can comprise a compressive load sensor(e.g., load cell) disposed underneath one of the foot portions 28. Insuch an embodiment, the contact of each of the foot portions 28 with theground can be detected as a function of the loading detected by thecompressive load cells. In another embodiment, each of the base sensors32 can comprise one of a strain sensor, a hall effect sensor, or animpedance type sensor. In another embodiment, each of the base sensors32 can comprise an angular position sensor that facilitates detection ofthe instability of the ladder 10 as a function of angular motion (e.g.,wobble) of the ladder 10. In yet another embodiment, each of the basesensors 32 can comprise a contact switch provided beneath the footportions 28 that selectively changes state (i.e., closes) as a functionof the foot portions 28 properly contacting a ground surface. It is tobe appreciated that the base sensors 32 can comprise any of a variety ofother suitable sensors that facilitate detection of positioning of thefoot portions 28 with respect to a ground surface. It is also to beappreciated that the base sensors 32 can be utilized to detect any of avariety of other conditions on the ladder 10 that might be detectable atthe foot portions 28 of the ladder 10, such as a hazardous condition, apresence of a user on the ladder, or whether the ladder 10 has beendeployed or is still folded.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the ladder 10 can include a step sensor 34disposed on one of the steps 18 and configured to detect the presence ofa user or a user's foot on the step 18. The step sensor 34 can belocated on the step 18 that is located above the maximum recommendeduser standing height for the ladder 10 (e.g., the height H illustratedin FIG. 1) and/or the step 18 located immediately below the maximumrecommended user standing height for the ladder 10 (e.g., the height Hillustrated in FIG. 1). Although only two steps are shown to includestep sensors 34, it is to be appreciated that any other steps 18 caninclude a step sensor 34 to facilitate detection of the presence of auser on that particular step 18.

In one embodiment, the step sensor 34 can comprise one of a strainsensor, a hall effect sensor, or an impedance type sensor. In such anembodiment, respective ones of the strain sensor, the hall effectsensor, or the impedance type sensor can be provided on the steps 18that are located above the height H such that the presence of a user'sfoot on one of the steps 18 above the height H can be detected as afunction of the load on the steps 18. In another embodiment, the stepsensor 34 can comprise a contact switch that selectively changes state(i.e., closes) when the user's foot contacts one of the steps 18 locatedabove the height H. In other embodiments, the step sensor 34 cancomprise any of a variety of other suitable sensors that facilitatedetection of the presence of a user's foot on the steps 18 located abovethe height H. It is also to be appreciated that the step sensor 34 canbe utilized to detect any of a variety of other conditions on the ladder10 that might be detectable at the step 18, such as a hazardouscondition, an instability condition, or whether the ladder 10 has beendeployed or is still folded.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the ladder 10 can include a brace sensor 35disposed on one of the braces 22 and configured to detect the presenceof a user or a user's foot on the brace 22. In one embodiment, the bracesensor 35 can comprise one of a strain sensor, a hall effect sensor, oran impedance type sensor. In such an embodiment, respective ones of thestrain sensor, the hall effect sensor, or the impedance type sensor canbe provided on the brace sensor(s) 35 near the bottom of the ladder 10such that the presence of a user or user's foot on the brace(s) 22 canbe detected as a function of the load on the steps 18. In anotherembodiment, the brace sensor 35 can comprise a contact switch thatselectively changes state (i.e., closes) when the user's foot contactsone of the braces 22. In other embodiments, the brace sensor 35 cancomprise any of a variety of other suitable sensors that facilitatedetection of the presence of a user's foot on the brace(s) 22. It isalso to be appreciated that the brace sensor 35 can be utilized todetect any of a variety of other conditions on the ladder 10 that mightbe detectable at the braces 22, such as a hazardous condition, aninstability condition, or whether the ladder 10 has been deployed or isstill folded.

The ladder 10 can additionally include a top cap sensor 36 disposed onthe top cap 15 and configured to detect tipping of the ladder 10. In oneembodiment, the top cap sensor 36 can comprise an angular positionsensor. In another embodiment, the top cap sensor 36 can comprise one ofa strain sensor, a hall effect sensor, or an impedance type sensor thatfacilitates detection of a user falling from the ladder 10. In such anembodiment, respective ones of the strain sensor, the hall effectsensor, or the impedance type sensor can be provided at any location onthe ladder 10 and can detect a sudden change in loading on the ladder 10that is consistent with the user suddenly falling from the ladder 10. Inother embodiments, the top cap sensor 36 can comprise any of a varietyof other suitable sensors that facilitate detection of the tipping ofthe ladder 10 and/or detection of the user falling from the ladder 10.Although the top cap sensor 36 is shown to be disposed on the top cap15, the top cap sensor 36 can additionally or alternatively be providedat any location along the ladder 10 that facilitates detection oftipping of the ladder 10 or a user falling from the ladder 10. It is tobe appreciated that the top cap sensor 36 can comprise any of a varietyof other suitable sensors at any of a variety of locations thatfacilitate detection of tipping of the ladder. It is also to beappreciated that the base sensors 32 can be utilized to detect any of avariety of other conditions on the ladder 10 that might be detectable atthe top cap 15 of the ladder 10, such as a hazardous condition, aninstability condition, or a presence of a user on the ladder (e.g., onthe top cap 15).

The ladder 10 can also include a plurality of side rail sensors 38. Eachof the side rail sensors 38 can be disposed on one of the front siderails 16 or the rear side rails 20 and configured to detect forces thatare imparted to the front side rails 16 and the rear side rails 20.Although the side rail sensors 38 are shown to be disposed proximate tothe foot portions 28, the side rail sensors 38 can additionally oralternatively be mounted at any location along the side rails 16, 20that facilitates detection of forces imparted thereto.

In one embodiment, the side rail sensors 38 can comprise one of a strainsensor, a hall effect sensor, an impedance type sensor, or a capacitivetype sensor such that the side rail sensors 38 facilitate detection ofstrain/load on the front side rail(s) 16 and/or the rear side rail(s)20. The strain/load detected on the front side rail(s) 16 and/or therear side rail(s) 20 can be used to monitor any of a variety ofconditions on the ladder 10. For example, the load path of the frontside rail(s) 16 and/or the rear side rail(s) 20 can be measured overtime and the historical load patterns can be monitored to determinewhether a problem might exist in any of the front side rail(s) 16 andthe rear side rail(s) 20. In another example, the position of thespreader bars 24 can be detected as a function of the comparativestrain/load between the front side rails 16 and the rear side rails 20.In yet another example, the position of the foot portions 28 relative tothe ground can be detected as a function of the strain/load on the frontside rail(s) 16 and/or the rear side rail(s) 20 when the user ascendsthe ladder 10. In yet another example, the presence of a user's foot onone of the steps 18 (e.g., above the height H) can be detected as afunction of the distribution of weight and/or the center of gravity onthe front side rail(s) 16 and/or the rear side rail(s) 20. In anotherembodiment, the side rail sensors 38 can comprise one of an inertialmeasurement unit or an inclinometer. In such an embodiment, the siderail sensors 38 can facilitate detection of the instability of theladder 10 as a function of angular motion (e.g., wobble) of the ladder10. It is to be appreciated that the side rail sensors 38 can compriseany of a variety of other suitable sensors located at any of a varietyof other suitable locations on the side rail sensors 38. It is also tobe appreciated that the spreader bar sensors 30 can be utilized todetect any of a variety of other conditions on the ladder 10 that mightbe detectable at the side rails 16, 20, such as a hazardous condition,an instability condition, a presence of a user on the ladder or whetherthe ladder 10 has been deployed or is still folded.

It is to be appreciated that any of a variety of suitable additional oralternative sensors are contemplated for the ladder 10, such as, forexample, pressure transducers, or displacement transducers. In oneembodiment, a global positioning system (GPS) unit (not shown) can beprovided on the ladder 10. In such an embodiment, the location of theladder 10 can be detected from the GPS unit substantially in real timewhich can aid in asset management and/or to enable locating the ladder10 when its location is unknown (e.g., when it is stolen). It is also tobe appreciated that sensors can be provided at any of a variety oflocations on the ladder 10 to facilitate monitoring of a desiredparameter.

Referring now to FIG. 2, each of the sensors (e.g., the spreader barsensors 30, the base sensors 32, the step sensors 34, the brace sensor35, the top cap sensor 36, and the side rail sensors 38) can comprise apower module 40, a wireless communication module 42, a sensor module 44,and a microcontroller 46 (e.g., control module). The power module 40 canfacilitate onboard powering of the sensor (e.g., 30, 32, 34, 35, 36, 38)and can comprise an integrated power storage device such as a disposablebattery, a rechargeable battery, a supercapacitor or any of a variety ofsuitable alternative power storage arrangements. A rechargeable batterypack can be recharged through any of a variety of power sources, such asa wall plug, a solar panel, or energy harvested from a nearbycommunication device (e.g., a passively powered device). In oneembodiment, some or all of the sensors can be collectively powered by anindividual power source which can be remote from at least some of thesensors.

The wireless communication module 42 can facilitate wirelesscommunication with a remote computing device 47 via any of a variety ofwireless communication protocols such as, for example, near fieldcommunication (e.g., Bluetooth, Zigbee), a Wireless Personal AreaNetwork (WPAN) (e.g., IrDA, UWB). The sensor module 44 can include theparticular sensing device that is incorporated on the sensor (e.g., astrain sensor, a hall effect sensor, an impedance type sensor, acapacitive type sensor, an IMU, and/or an inclinometer). Themicrocontroller 46 can gather sensor data from the sensor module 44 forprocessing and can wirelessly communicate the sensor data (via thewireless communication module) to the remote computing device 47.

The remote computing device 47 can be a smartphone (e.g., an iOS orAndroid device), a laptop computer, a tablet, or a desktop computer, forexample. The remote computing device 47 can have an application loadedthereon that is configured to analyze the data from the sensors 30, 32,34, 35, 36, 38 and generate a warning, when appropriate, such that thesensors 30, 32, 34, 35, 36, 38 and the remote computing device 47cooperate to provide a monitoring system (e.g., an internet of things(IoT) system) for the ladder 10. In some arrangements, the sensors 30,32, 34, 35, 36, 38 can communicate directly (e.g., via a cellularconnection) with a remote server (e.g., a cloud-based server) that isaccessed by the remote computing device (e.g., the smartphone 60).

Each of the sensors 30, 32, 34, 35, 36, 38 can accordingly bestand-alone, self-contained units that do not require cables forcommunication or powering as can be common with many conventional sensorarrangements on ladders. Any of the sensors 30, 32, 34, 35, 36, 38 canaccordingly be easily retrofit onto a conventional ladder to convert theconventional ladder from a “dumb ladder” into a “smart ladder.” In analternative embodiment, however, one or more of the sensors 30, 32, 34,35, 36, 38 can be in direct wired communication with the remotecomputing device 47, via a cable (not shown), and can communicate withthe remote computing device 47 via any of a variety of wiredcommunication protocols.

Referring now to FIG. 3, one example of the base sensor 32 describedabove is illustrated which is shown to be retrofit onto the ladder 10.As illustrated in FIG. 3, the base sensor 32 can include a printedcircuit board 50 that includes the power module 40, the wirelesscommunication module 42, and the microcontroller 46 described above. Thesensor module 44 can comprise a load cell and can be communicativelycoupled with the microcontroller 46 such that the microcontroller 46 cangather sensor data from the load cell. The printed circuit board 50 andthe sensor module 44 can be coupled with a foot pad 52. The foot pad 52can define a receptacle 53 and the printed circuit board 50 can bedisposed in the receptacle 53. The sensor module 44 can overlie theprinted circuit board 50 such that the printed circuit board 50 issandwiched between the foot pad 52 and sensor module 44. A spacer 54 canoverlie the sensor module 44. The foot pad 52 can comprise a pluralityof pins 56 that facilitate coupling of the sensor module 44 to the footpad 52. In one embodiment, the foot pad 52 can be formed of anelastomeric material (e.g., rubber), but in other embodiments, the footpad 52 can be formed of any variety of suitable alternative materials.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the base sensor 32 can be coupled with to afoot member 58 of the foot portion 28 of the ladder 10. The foot member58 can exist on the ladder 10 prior to attachment of the base sensor 32such that the base sensor 32 is effectively retrofit beneath the ladder10 and the foot pad 52 serves as the new footing for the ladder 10. Thepins 56 of the foot pad 52 can extend into the foot member 58 tofacilitate securement of the base sensor 32 to the foot member 58. It isto be appreciated, however, that the foot pad 52 can have any of avariety of suitable additional or alternative attachment features, suchas threaded fasteners, adhesives, or buckles, for example, thatfacilitate coupling of the foot pad 52 to the sensor module 44 and/orsecurement of the base sensor 32 to a bottom of a ladder.

During use of the ladder 10, the remote computing device 47 can beconfigured to detect the presence of a user on the ladder 10. In oneembodiment, the user's presence on the ladder 10 can be detected fromthe base sensors 32 as a function of the additional weight that isprovided to the ladder 10. In another embodiment, the user's presence onthe ladder 10 can be detected from the side rail sensor(s) 38 as afunction of the additional strain imparted on the front side rail 16and/or rear side rail 20 due to the additional weight on the ladder 10.In yet another embodiment, the user's presence on the ladder 10 can bedetected from a step sensor (e.g., 34) located on the step nearest tothe bottom of the ladder 10 as a function of the presence of the user'sfoot on the step 18. It is to be appreciated that other sensors on theladder 10 can be utilized to facilitate detection of the user's presenceon the ladder 10.

Once the user's presence has been detected on the ladder 10, the remotecomputing device 47 can be configured to facilitate the detection of thepresence of a hazardous condition on the ladder 10 from the sensor data.The remote computing device 47 can also be configured to generate analert indicating the presence of the hazardous condition on the ladder10. As will be described in more detail below, the sensors 30, 32, 34,35, 36, 38 that are relied upon to facilitate detection of the hazardouscondition and the type of alert that is ultimately generated during thepresence of the hazardous condition, can depend upon the particularhazardous condition(s) being detected. Various examples of the hazardousconditions that can be detected by the remote computing device 47 willnow be described.

In one embodiment, the remote computing device 47 can facilitatedetection of an unlocked condition of the spreader bars 24 during use.In one embodiment, the unlocked condition of the spreader bars 24 can bedetected from the spreader bar sensor 30 as a function of the positionof the hinge member 26 (e.g., when the spreader bar sensor 30 comprisesa contact switch or a hall effect sensor), the angle of the spreader bar24 (e.g., when the spreader bar sensor 30 comprises an inclinometer), orthe strain on the spreader bar 24 (e.g., when the spreader bar sensor 30comprises a strain sensor). In another embodiment, the unlockedcondition of the spreader bars 24 can be detected from the side railsensor(s) 38 as a function of uncharacteristic strain imparted on thefront side rail 16 and/or rear side rail 20 due to the spreader bars 24being unlocked. It is to be appreciated that other sensors on the ladder10 can be utilized to facilitate detection of the unlocked condition ofthe spreader bar 24.

When the presence of the user has been detected with at least one of thespreader bars 24 unlocked, the remote computing device 47 can generatean alert to the user notifying them that the spreader bars 24 areunlocked. The alert can be a visual alert, an audible alert, or a hapticalert (e.g., vibration) notifying the user of the hazardous condition.The remote computing device 47 can additionally or alternativelytransmit a message (e.g., an email, a phone call, a text message, or apush notification) to a third party, such as to the user's supervisor,indicating that the ladder 10 is being used with the spreader bars 24 inan unlocked condition.

In another embodiment, the remote computing device 47 can facilitatedetection of a damaged condition of any of the top cap 15, the siderails 16, 20, the steps 18, the braces 22, and/or the spreader bars 24.In one embodiment, the damaged condition of the top cap 15, the siderails 16, 20, the steps 18, the braces 22, and the spreader bars 24 canbe detected from respective ones of the top cap sensor 36, the side railsensors 38, the step sensor 34, the brace sensor 35, and the spreaderbar sensor 30, as a function of the strain on the top cap 15, the siderails 16, 20, the steps 18, the braces 22, and the spreader bars 24,respectively (e.g., when the spreader bar sensor 30 comprises a strainsensor). It is to be appreciated that other sensors on the ladder 10 canbe utilized to facilitate detection of the damaged condition of the topcap 15, the side rails 16, 20, the steps 18, the braces 22, and thespreader bars 24.

When the presence of the user has been detected with at least one of thetop cap 15, the side rails 16, 20, the steps 18, the braces 22, and thespreader bars 24 being damaged, the remote computing device 47 cangenerate an alert to the user notifying them that the ladder 10 isdamaged. The alert can be a visual alert, an audible alert, or a hapticalert (e.g., vibration) notifying the user of the hazardous condition.The remote computing device 47 can additionally or alternativelytransmit a message (e.g., an email, a phone call, a text message, or apush notification) to a third party, such as to the user's supervisor,indicating that the ladder 10 is damaged and is being used.

In yet another embodiment, the remote computing device 47 can facilitatedetection of unstable footing of the ladder 10 (e.g., an instabilitycondition) during use. In one embodiment, the unstable footing of theladder 10 can be detected from the base sensors 32 as a function ofdisproportionate loading on certain of the foot portions 28 (e.g., whenthe base sensor 32 comprises a strain sensor or load cell) or one of thefoot portions 28 not contacting the ground (e.g., when the base sensor32 comprises a contact switch or hall effect sensor). In anotherembodiment, the unstable footing of the ladder 10 can be detected fromthe side rail sensor(s) 38 as a function of uncharacteristic strainimparted on the front side rail 16 and/or rear side rail 20 due to thefoot portions 28 not being in proper contact with the ground. In yetanother embodiment, the unstable footing of the ladder 10 can bedetected from the step sensor 34 and/or the brace sensor 35 as afunction of uncharacteristic strain imparted on the steps 18 and/orbraces 22 due to the foot portions 28 not being in proper contact withthe ground. In still yet another embodiment, the unstable footing of theladder 10 can be detected from the spreader bar sensors 30 as a functionof uncharacteristic strain imparted on the spreader bars 24 due to thefoot portions 28 not being in proper contact with the ground. It is tobe appreciated that other sensors on the ladder 10 can be utilized tofacilitate detection of the unlocked condition of the spreader bars 24.

When the presence of the user has been detected with the ladder 10unstable, the remote computing device 47 can generate an alert to theuser notifying them that the ladder is unstable. The alert can be avisual alert, an audible alert, or a haptic alert (e.g., vibration)notifying the user of the hazardous condition. The remote computingdevice 47 can additionally or alternatively transmit a message (e.g., anemail, a phone call, a text message, or a push notification) to a thirdparty, such as to the user's supervisor, indicating that the ladder 10is unstable.

In yet another embodiment, the remote computing device 47 can facilitatedetection of when the ladder 10 has overturned (e.g., an instabilitycondition) during use. In one embodiment, the overturning of the ladder10 can be detected from the base sensors 32 as a function of sudden lossof load at the foot portions 28 (e.g., when the base sensor 32 comprisesa strain sensor or load cell) or the foot portions 28 no longercontacting the ground (e.g., when the base sensor 32 comprises a contactswitch or hall effect sensor). In another embodiment, the overturning ofthe ladder 10 can be detected from the top cap sensor 36 as a functionof the angle of the ladder 10 suddenly changing. In another embodiment,the overturning of the ladder 10 can be detected from the side railsensor(s) 38 as a function of uncharacteristic strain imparted on thefront side rail 16 and/or rear side rail 20 that is characteristic ofthe ladder 10 overturning. In yet another embodiment, the overturning ofthe ladder 10 can be detected from the step sensor 34 and/or the bracesensor 35 as a function of uncharacteristic strain imparted on the steps18 and/or braces 22 that is characteristic of the ladder 10 overturning.In still yet another embodiment, the overturning of the ladder 10 can bedetected from the spreader bar sensors 30 as a function ofuncharacteristic strain imparted on the spreader bars 24 that ischaracteristic of the ladder 10 overturning. In still yet anotherembodiment, the remote computing device 47 can be a smartphone carriedby the user and can detect the ladder 10 overturning directly (e.g.,without using any of the sensors 30, 32, 34, 35, 36, 38) from an onboardIMU. It is to be appreciated that other sensors on the ladder 10 can beutilized to facilitate detection of overturning of the ladder.

When the presence of the user has been detected and subsequently theoverturning of the ladder 10 is detected, the remote computing device 47can generate an alert notifying the surrounding environment that theladder 10 has overturned. The alert can be a visual alert and/or anaudible alert that is significant enough to notify people in thevicinity of the ladder 10 that the ladder 10 has overturned and the usermay need help. The remote computing device 47 can additionally oralternatively transmit an alert electronically to other remote computingdevices (e.g., smartphones) in the vicinity of the ladder 10 that theladder 10 has overturned and the user may need help. The remotecomputing device 47 can additionally or alternatively generate adistress message that can be transmitted to a third party to notify thethird party that the user may be in distress. In one embodiment, theremote computing device 47 can initiate a distress call to an emergencyservices provider (e.g., a 911 call) and/or can generate a message(e.g., text message, email, push notification) to a third party, such asa supervisor or site manager, to notify the emergency service providerand/or the third party that the user of the ladder 10 may be indistress.

In still yet another embodiment, the remote computing device 47 canfacilitate detection of the user falling from the ladder 10 withoutoverturning the ladder 10 (e.g., an instability condition) during use.In one embodiment, the user falling from the ladder 10 can be detectedfrom the base sensors 32 as a function of sudden loss of load at thefoot portions 28 (e.g., when the base sensor 32 comprises a strainsensor or load cell) or the foot portions 28 briefly losing contact withthe ground (e.g., when the base sensor 32 comprises a contact switch orhall effect sensor). In another embodiment, the user falling from theladder 10 can be detected from the side rail sensor(s) 38 as a functionof the sudden loss of strain on the front side rail 16 and/or rear siderail 20 that is characteristic of the user falling from the ladder 10.In yet another embodiment, the user falling from the ladder 10 can bedetected from the step sensor 34 and/or the brace sensor 35 as afunction of the sudden loss of strain on the steps 18 and/or braces 22that is characteristic of the user falling from the ladder 10. In stillyet another embodiment, the user falling from the ladder 10 can bedetected from the spreader bar sensors 30 as a function of the suddenloss of strain on the spreader bars 24 that is characteristic of theuser falling from the ladder 10. In still yet another embodiment, theremote computing device 47 can be a smartphone carried by the user andcan detect the user falling from the ladder 10 directly (e.g., withoutusing any of the sensors 30, 32, 34, 35, 36, 38) from an onboard IMU. Itis to be appreciated that other sensors on the ladder 10 can be utilizedto facilitate detection of the user falling from the ladder 10.

When the presence of the user has been detected and subsequently theuser falling from the ladder 10 is detected, the remote computing device47 can generate an alert notifying the surrounding environment that theuser has fallen from the ladder 10. The alert can be a visual alertand/or an audible alert that is significant enough to notify people inthe vicinity of the ladder 10 that the user has fallen from the ladder10 and the user may need help. The remote computing device 47 canadditionally or alternatively transmit an alert electronically to otherremote computing devices (e.g., smartphones) in the vicinity of theladder 10 that the user has fallen from the ladder 10 and may need help.The remote computing device 47 can additionally or alternativelygenerate a distress message that can be transmitted to a third party tonotify the third party that the user may be in distress. In oneembodiment, the remote computing device 47 can initiate a distress callto an emergency services provider (e.g., a 911 call) and/or can generatea message (e.g., text message, email, push notification) to a thirdparty, such as a supervisor or site manager, to notify the emergencyservice provider and/or the third party that the user of the ladder 10may be in distress.

In still yet another embodiment, the remote computing device 47 canfacilitate detection of a user's presence on a prohibited step (e.g., astep that is above a safe climbing height such as the height H shown inFIG. 1) during use. In one embodiment, the user's presence on aprohibited step can be detected from a step sensor (e.g., 34) located onthe prohibited step (e.g., 18) as a function of the presence of theuser's foot on the step 18. In another embodiment, the user's presenceon a prohibited step can be detected from the base sensors 32 as afunction of a center of gravity calculated from the load detected on thefoot portions 28. In another embodiment, the user's presence on aprohibited step can be detected from the side rail sensor(s) 38 as afunction of a center of gravity calculated from the strain detected onthe front side rail 16 and/or rear side rail 20. In yet anotherembodiment, the user's presence on a prohibited step can be detectedfrom the step sensor 34 and/or the brace sensor 35 as a function of acenter of gravity calculated from the strain detected on the steps 18and/or braces 22. It is to be appreciated that other sensors on theladder 10 can be utilized to facilitate detection of the unlockedcondition of the spreader bar 24.

When the presence of the user has been detected on a prohibited step,the remote computing device 47 can generate an alert to the usernotifying them that they have climbed too high. The alert can be avisual alert, an audible alert, or a haptic alert (e.g., vibration)notifying the user of the hazardous condition. The remote computingdevice 47 can additionally or alternatively transmit a message (e.g., anemail, a phone call, a text message, or a push notification) to a thirdparty, such as to the user's supervisor, indicating that the user hasclimbed too high on the ladder 10.

In still yet another embodiment, the remote computing device 47 can beconfigured to detect the presence of a user on the braces 22. In oneembodiment, the user's presence on the braces 22 can be detected from abrace sensor (e.g., 35) located on the brace(s) 22 near the bottom ofthe ladder 10 as a function of the presence of the user's foot on thebraces 22 (e.g., when the brace sensor 35 is a contact sensor or a halleffect sensor) or of the additional strain imparted to the braces 22(e.g., when the brace sensor 35 is a strain sensor). In anotherembodiment, the user's presence on the braces 22 can be detected fromthe base sensors 32 as a function of the additional weight that isprovided on the brace section 14 of the ladder 10. In anotherembodiment, the user's presence on the braces 22 can be detected fromthe side rail sensor(s) 38 as a function of the additional strainimparted on the front side rail 16 and/or rear side rail 20 due to theadditional weight on the brace section 14 of the ladder 10. It is to beappreciated that other sensors on the ladder 10 can be utilized tofacilitate detection of the user's presence on the braces 22 of theladder 10.

When the presence of the user has been detected on one of the braces 22,the remote computing device 47 can generate an alert to the usernotifying them that they have climbed on the wrong side of the ladder10. The alert can be a visual alert, an audible alert, or a haptic alert(e.g., vibration) notifying the user of the hazardous condition. Theremote computing device 47 can additionally or alternatively transmit amessage (e.g., an email, a phone call, a text message, or a pushnotification) to a third party, such as to the user's supervisor,indicating that the user has climbed on the wrong side of the ladder 10.

It is to be appreciated that the remote computing device 47 can beconfigured to provide other types of functionality to a user. In oneembodiment, the remote computing device 47 can gather and log load datafrom at least some of the sensors 30, 32, 34, 36 to facilitatemonitoring of the overall integrity of the ladder 10 over time. Forexample, when the front side rails 16, the steps 18, the rear side rails20, the braces 22, and/or the spreader bars 24 are provided with loadsensing sensors (e.g., a strain sensor, a hall effect sensor, or animpedance type sensor), load data from the load sensing sensors can begathered periodically, logged, and analyzed for variations that indicatepotential damage or an increased risk of failure of the ladder 10. Whendamage or a potential failure is detected, the remote computing device47 can present a GUI to the user detailing the nature of the damage orpotential failure.

In another embodiment, the remote computing device 47 can gather usageinformation (e.g., statistical data) and log the usage information ashistorical data about the ladder 10 from the sensors (e.g., duration ofuse of the ladder 10, the number of times the ladder 10 has beendeployed, the number of times the ladder 10 has been ascended, theoverall weight borne by the ladder 10 during each use, the number oftimes the ladder 10 has been misused) to facilitate tracking of theoverall use of the ladder 10. In some instances, the usage informationcan indicate a tendency for a user to use the ladder 10 improperly. Insome embodiments, the user can query the remote computing device 47(e.g., via a GUI) to generate reports of the historical data.

It is to be appreciated that alternative ladder arrangements arecontemplated that only have one or some of the sensors 30, 32, 34, 35,36, 38. The particular sensors that might employed on a ladderarrangement can be determined by the hazardous conditions(s) that aredesired to be detected.

FIGS. 5-9, which will now be discussed, represent various alternativeembodiments detailing specification ladder and remote computing devicearrangements. Referring now to FIG. 5 illustrates and alternativeembodiment of a ladder 110 that is similar to the ladder 10 illustratedin FIG. 1. For example, the ladder 110 includes a pair of spreader barsensor 130 that are each located on respective spreader bars 124 of theladder 110. The spreader bar sensors 130 can wirelessly communicate witha smartphone 160 which can monitor the locked or unlocked condition ofthe spreader bars 124 (via the spreader bar sensors 130) and issue awarning to a user 162 to discourage the user 162 from ascending theladder 110 when the spreader bars 124 are not in their locked positions.In particular, the spreader bar sensors 130 can periodically transmitspreader sensor data to the smartphone 160 which can include the lockedor unlocked condition of the spreader bars 24 (such as when the spreaderbar sensor 130 is a contact switch or a hall effect sensor) and/orphysical parameters that might indicate (i.e., indirectly) the locked orunlocked condition of the spreader bars 24 (such as when the spreaderbar sensor 130 is a strain gage or an impedance type sensor). Theapplication loaded on the smartphone 160 can be configured to analyzethe spreader sensor data and facilitate the issuance of the warning tothe user when the spreader bars 124 are not in their locked positions.

In one embodiment, the application can generate a graphical userinterface (GUI) 164 on the smartphone 160 that displays the status ofthe spreader bars 124. When the spreader bars 124 are not locked andwhen the ladder 110 is in use (e.g., the user ascends the ladder), theapplication can generate a visual alert, such as text accompanied by aflashing colored background. The application can additionally, oralternatively, facilitate generation of an audible sound and/orvibration from the smartphone 160. The GUI 164 can display a virtualbutton 166 that the user can press to acknowledge the warning andtemporarily disable the alarm long enough to allow the user 162 to lockthe spreader bars 124. In one embodiment, the application can facilitategeneration of a warning message (e.g., text message, email, pushnotification) to a third party, such as a supervisor or site manager, tonotify the third party when the user 162 has ascended the ladder 110with the spreader bars 124 unlocked. In such an embodiment, the warningmessage can include various information relative to the use of theladder 110, such as, for example, identification of the user 162 usingthe ladder 10, the geographic location of the ladder 110, or theduration of time the user was on the ladder 110 with the spreader bars124 unlocked.

FIG. 6 illustrates and alternative embodiment of a ladder 210 that issimilar to the ladder 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the ladder210 includes a plurality of base sensors 238 that are each coupled withrespective foot portions 228 of the ladder 210. The base sensors 232 canwirelessly communicate with a smartphone 160 which can monitor theinstability condition of the ladder 210 (via the base sensors 232) andissue a warning to a user 262 to discourage the user 262 from ascendingthe ladder 210 when any of the foot portions 28 are not contacting theground surface when the user ascends the ladder 210. In particular, whenthe user ascends the ladder 210 and applies a downward load to theladder 210, the base sensors 232 can periodically transmit base sensordata to the smartphone 260 which can include whether the foot portions228 are contacting the ground (such as when the base sensor 232 is acontact switch or a hall effect sensor) and/or physical parameters thatmight indicate (i.e., indirectly) instability in ladder 210 (such aswhen the base sensor 232 is a strain gage or an impedance type sensor).The application loaded on the smartphone 260 can be configured toanalyze the base sensor data and facilitate the issuance of the warningto the user 262 when any of the foot portions 228 are not contacting theground surface and/or are experiencing uneven loading indicative ofinstability.

In one embodiment, the application can generate a GUI 264 on thesmartphone 260 that displays the status of the foot portions 228. Whenany of the foot portions 228 are out of contact with the ground surfaceand/or are experiencing uneven loading when the ladder 10 is in use, theapplication can generate a visual warning, such as text accompanied by aflashing colored background. The application can additionally, oralternatively, facilitate generation of an audible sound and/orvibration from the smartphone 260. The GUI 264 can display a virtualbutton 268 that the user 262 can press to acknowledge the warning andtemporarily disable the alarm long enough allow the user 262 toreposition the ladder 210 such that each of the foot portions 228properly contacts the ground surface and/or are more evenly loaded.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a ladder 310 that issimilar to the ladder 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the ladder310 includes a step sensor 334 located on a step 318 that is disposedabove the maximum recommended user standing height. The step sensor 334can wirelessly communicate with a smartphone 360 which can monitor thestatus of the step 318 and issue a warning to discourage a 362 fromascending further. In particular, the step sensor 334 can periodicallytransmit step sensor data to the smartphone 360 which can include thestatus of the step 318 (e.g., whether a user's foot has contacted thestep 318). The application loaded on the smartphone 360 can beconfigured to analyze the step sensor data and facilitate the issuanceof the warning when the user's foot is detected on the step 318.

In one embodiment, the application can generate a GUI 364 on thesmartphone 360 that displays the status of the step 318. When the user'sfoot contacts the step 318, the application can generate a visualwarning, such as text accompanied by a flashing colored background. Theapplication can additionally, or alternatively, facilitate generation ofan audible sound and/or vibration from the smartphone 360. In oneembodiment, the application can facilitate generation of a warningmessage (e.g., text message, email, push notification) to a third party,such as a supervisor or site manager, to notify the third party that theladder 310 is being used improperly. In such an embodiment, the warningmessage can include various information relative to the use of theladder, such as, for example, identification of the person using theladder 310, geographic location of the ladder, or the duration of timethat the user's foot was engaged with the step 318.

Still referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the user 362 can wear avest 370, in addition to or in lieu of the smartphone 360, that iscommunicatively coupled with the step sensor 334 (e.g., directly orthrough the smartphone 360) and is configured to generate a warning tothe user 362 when the user's foot contacts the step 318. In oneembodiment, the vest 370 can be configured to vibrate. In otherembodiments, the vest 370 can additionally or alternatively, generatevisual and/or audible warnings that notifies the user 362 as well as thesurrounding environment that the ladder 310 is not being used properly.

It is to be appreciated that, although a vest is described, any of avariety of other types of apparel can be provided for issuing a warningto a user, such as a work belt or safety helmet, for example. In someembodiments, the ladder 310 may additionally or alternatively beequipped with onboard notification devices that are configured to issuea warning to the user (e.g., a vibration, a visual warning, or anaudible warning) directly from the ladder 10. It is also to beappreciated that the vest 370 can additionally or alternatively be usedin conjunction with spreader bar sensors (e.g., 30) and/or base sensors(e.g., 32) to issue a warning to a user.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a ladder 410 that issimilar to the ladder 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the ladder410 includes a top cap sensor 436 coupled with a top cap 415 of theladder 410. The top cap sensor 436 can wirelessly communicate with asmartphone 160 which can monitor the instability of the ladder 410. Inparticular, the top cap sensor 36 can periodically transmit stabilitysensor data to the smartphone 460 which can include the threedimensional coordinates of the top cap 415. The application loaded onthe smartphone 360 can be configured to analyze the stability sensordata to determine whether the ladder 310 has tipped over and canfacilitate issuance of an emergency message when it is determined thatthe ladder 310 has tipped over.

In one embodiment, when the ladder 410 wobbles excessively or tips over,the application can generate a GUI 464 on the smartphone 460 thatdisplays a visual warning, such as text accompanied by a flashingcolored background. The application can additionally, or alternatively,facilitate generation of an audible sound and/or vibration from thesmartphone 60. The application can additionally generate a distressmessage that can be transmitted to a third party to notify the thirdparty that the user 462 may be in distress. In one embodiment, theapplication can initiate a distress call to an emergency servicesprovider (e.g., a 911 call) and/or can generate a message (e.g., textmessage, email, push notification) to a third party, such as asupervisor or site manager, to notify the emergency service providerand/or the third party that the user 462 of the ladder 410 may be indistress. In such an embodiment, the distress call and/or message caninclude various information relative to the use of the ladder, such as,for example, identification of the person using the ladder 410,preexisting medical conditions of the user, and/or geographic locationof the ladder 410. A vest 470 can be communicatively coupled with thetop cap sensor 436 (e.g., directly or through the smartphone 460) andcan be worn by third parties on a job site to notify third parties thatthe user 462 may be in distress.

It is to be appreciated that the smartphone 460 can obtain sensor datafrom one or more other sensors to monitor of the overall stability ofthe user 462 on the ladder 410. The application loaded on the smartphone460 can be configured to analyze the sensor data to determine whetherthe user has fallen from the ladder 410 (e.g., without the ladder 410being tipped over) and can facilitate issuance of an emergency messagewhen it is determined that the user has fallen from the ladder 410.

In one embodiment, the ladder 410 can be provided with a sensor (notshown) that is configured to identify the user that is currently usingthe ladder 410. The sensor can communicate with the user's smartphone(e.g., 438) and/or the vest 470 (via Bluetooth or Radio FrequencyIdentification) to facilitate identification of the user.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative operating condition for a smartphone560 that is similar to the smartphone 60 illustrated in FIG. 5. Theapplication loaded on the smartphone 560 can be provided in a sensorintegrity mode that facilitates communication with sensors (not shown)on a ladder 510 to determine whether any of the sensors have failed. Theapplication can generate a GUI 564 that can display various informationabout each of the sensors such as battery life, communication status,sensor status, and vest status.

The application on the smartphone 560 can be configured to operate ineither a sleep mode or a monitoring mode. When in the sleep mode, theapplication and/or the sensors are deactivated. When in the monitoringmode, the application can communicate with the sensors to facilitatedetection of abnormalities during use of the ladder 510. In oneembodiment, the application can be selectively placed in either thesleep mode or the monitoring mode through a virtual button (not shown)on the GUI (not shown) that is presented on the smartphone 560. In suchan embodiment, a user 562 can activate the virtual button to selectoperation of the application in either the sleep mode or the monitoringmode. In another embodiment, the application can detect when the ladder510 is in use and can automatically operate in the monitoring mode whenthe ladder 510 is determined to be in use.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a ladder 610 that issimilar to the ladder 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the ladder610 includes spreader bar sensors 630, base sensors 632, a top capsensor 636, and side rail sensors 638. However, the spreader bar sensors630 can be provided adjacent to a hinge member 626. In one embodiment,the base sensors 632 can comprise compressive load cells that are ratedfor 1000/2500 Pound Force (lbf). The side rail sensors 638 can beunidirectional strain gages. The top cap sensor 636 can comprise athree-axis accelerometer block that is configured to measure between 2-3G.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, a camera 672 can also be provided thatfacilities real time monitoring of the use of the ladder 610. The camera672 can be located on or near the ladder 610 and can capture imagesand/or video of the use of the ladder 610. The camera 672 can becommunicatively coupled with a smartphone (e.g., 60) to display theimages and/or video to a user (e.g., 62) or a third party. In oneembodiment, the application loaded on the smartphone can be configuredto automatically actuate the camera 672 when the sensor data generatedby the sensors 632, 636, 638 indicates an abnormality and can save theimages and/or video for later use (e.g., during an subsequentinvestigation of a fall).

Referring now to FIG. 11, an alternative embodiment of a ladder 710 isillustrated that is similar to, or the same as in many respects as, theladder 10 in FIG. 1. For example, the ladder 710 can include a top cap715 and a top cap sensor 736 coupled with the top cap 115. However, thetop cap 715 can include a lower plate 774 that is substantially rigidand an upper cap plate 776 that is movably coupled with the lower plate774. The top cap sensor 736 can be coupled with the upper cap plate 776and can be configured to measure the movement of the upper cap plate 776(e.g., warping) to detect when the ladder 710 has been tipped over.

Moreover, the processes associated with the present embodiments may beexecuted by programmable equipment, such as computers. Software or othersets of instructions that may be employed to cause programmableequipment to execute the processes may be stored in any storage device,such as, for example, a computer system (non-volatile) memory, anoptical disk, magnetic tape, or magnetic disk. Furthermore, some of theprocesses may be programmed when the computer system is manufactured orvia a computer-readable memory medium.

It can also be appreciated that certain process aspects described hereinmay be performed using instructions stored on a computer-readable memorymedium or media that direct a computer or computer system to performprocess steps. A computer-readable medium may include, for example,memory devices such as diskettes, compact discs of both read-only andread/write varieties, optical disk drives, and hard disk drives. Anon-transitory computer-readable medium may also include memory storagethat may be physical, virtual, permanent, temporary, semi-permanentand/or semi-temporary.

A “computer,” “remote computer,” “computer system,” “host,” “engine,” or“processor” may be, for example and without limitation, a processor,microcomputer, minicomputer, server, mainframe, laptop, personal dataassistant (PDA), wireless e-mail device, cellular phone, pager,processor, fax machine, scanner, or any other programmable deviceconfigured to transmit and/or receive data over a network. Computersystems and computer-based devices disclosed herein may include memoryfor storing certain software applications used in obtaining, processing,and communicating information. It can be appreciated that such memorymay be internal or external with respect to operation of the disclosedembodiments. The memory may also include any means for storing software,including a hard disk, an optical disk, floppy disk, ROM (read onlymemory), RAM (random access memory), PROM (programmable ROM), EEPROM(electrically erasable PROM) and/or other computer-readable memorymedia.

In various embodiments of the present invention, a single component maybe replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may bereplaced by a single component, to perform a given function orfunctions. Except where such substitution would not be operative topractice embodiments of the present invention, such substitution iswithin the scope of the present invention. Any of the servers describedherein, for example, may be replaced by a “server farm” or othergrouping of networked servers (e.g., a group of server blades) that arelocated and configured for cooperative functions. It can be appreciatedthat a server farm may serve to distribute workload between/amongindividual components of the farm and may expedite computing processesby harnessing the collective and cooperative power of multiple servers.Such server farms may employ load-balancing software that accomplishestasks such as, for example, tracking demand for processing power fromdifferent machines, prioritizing and scheduling tasks based on networkdemand, and/or providing backup contingency in the event of componentfailure or reduction in operability.

In general, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art thatvarious embodiments described herein, or components or parts thereof,may be implemented in many different embodiments of software, firmware,and/or hardware, or modules thereof. The software code or specializedcontrol hardware used to implement some of the present embodiments isnot limiting of the present invention. Such software may be stored onany type of suitable computer-readable medium or media such as, forexample, a magnetic or optical storage medium. Thus, the operation andbehavior of the embodiments are described without specific reference tothe actual software code or specialized hardware components. The absenceof such specific references is feasible because it is clearly understoodthat artisans of ordinary skill would be able to design software andcontrol hardware to implement the embodiments of the present disclosurebased on the description herein with only a reasonable effort andwithout undue experimentation.

In various embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may beconfigured and/or programmed to include one or more of theabove-described electronic, computer-based elements and components. Inaddition, these elements and components may be particularly configuredto execute the various rules, algorithms, programs, processes, andmethod steps described herein.

The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or limiting to the forms described. Numerous modificationsare possible in light of the above teachings. Some of thosemodifications have been discussed and others will be understood by thoseskilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described forillustration of various embodiments. The scope is, of course, notlimited to the examples or embodiments set forth herein, but can beemployed in any number of applications and equivalent devices by thoseof ordinary skill in the art. Rather, it is hereby intended that thescope be defined by the claims appended hereto. Also, for any methodsclaimed and/or described, regardless of whether the method is describedin conjunction with a flow diagram, it should be understood that unlessotherwise specified or required by context, any explicit or implicitordering of steps performed in the execution of a method does not implythat those steps must be performed in the order presented and may beperformed in a different order or in parallel.

What is claimed is:
 1. A ladder comprising: a pair of rail members, eachrail member comprising a respective foot portion; at least one stepextending between the pair of rail members; a foot member coupled withthe foot portion of one of the rail members; a foot pad configured toengage a ground surface; a power module; a sensor module coupling thefoot member to the foot pad, the sensor module comprising a Hall effectsensor configured to detect deflection of the foot member relative tothe foot pad in response to load on the one of the rail members beingtransmitted through the sensor module; a control module in electricalcommunication with each of the power module and the sensor module andconfigured to process sensor data from the sensor module; and a wirelesscommunication module in electrical communication with each of the powermodule and the control module, wherein the wireless communication moduleis configured to facilitate wireless communication with a remotecomputing device.
 2. The ladder of claim 1 further comprising a printedcircuit board having mounted thereon at least two of the power module,the control module, and the wireless communication module.
 3. The ladderof claim 2 wherein the printed circuit board is disposed adjacent to thefoot portion.
 4. The ladder of claim 1 wherein the communication moduleis configured to facilitate wireless communication via a Bluetoothprotocol.
 5. The ladder of claim 1 wherein the power module comprisesone or more of a battery, a photovoltaic cell, and a charging port. 6.The ladder of claim 1 further comprising an alert module that isconfigured to generate an alert upon detection of a hazardous condition.7. A ladder comprising: a pair of rail members; at least one stepextending between the pair of rail members; and a monitoring devicecomprising: a means for providing electrical power; a means for sensinga load on at least one of the rail members, wherein the means forsensing comprises a Hall effect sensor; a means for processing signalsresulting from the sensing of the load; and a means for wirelesslycommunicating data in response to the processing of signals, wherein themeans for wirelessly communicating comprises a Bluetooth communicationmodule.
 8. The ladder of claim 7 wherein the monitoring device furthercomprises a means for alerting a user of a detected hazardous condition.